Salem Police: Lawrence Man Busted Heroin Possession

SALEM, NH - A Massachusetts man was arrested in Salem on drug possession charges on Apr. 16.

According to Salem Police, detectives had been working in the area of South Broadway watching for drug transactions. Around 6:50 pm, Salem detectives observed a Jose Ortiz, age 37 of Lawrence, MA enter a store and conduct a hand to hand transaction with another customer.

Detectives recognized the male as one they had seen make several additional alleged transactions in the past few days. They approached the male and upon speaking to him found a clear bag with a substance consistent with heroin/fentanyl.

Ortiz was taken into custody, subsequently the suspect was found to be in possession of one more clear plastic baggy containing suspected illegal narcotics. Approximately $2,800 in cash was also seized from the suspect.

Ortiz was charged with 3 counts of sale of a controlled drug, possession of a controlled drug, an electronic bench warrant charging him with operating after suspension, and operating after suspension. The total seizure of narcotics was 19 grams.

Ortiz was held overnight on $20,000 and was arraigned in the Rockingham County Superior Court on April 17.

Courtesy Photo / Salem PD